Dig In: 6 sweet, savory crepes from the new Kalamazoo food cart, Crepes by the Lakes

KALAMAZOO, MI -- When exploring the concept for a new food industry venture, Stephanie Lenhart and Danielle Barney recalled a fondness for a childhood treat: crepes.

For the first five years of her life, Lenhart lived in Paris and developed an affinity for them. While visiting her family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, several months ago and discussing her plan to enter the food industry, the idea of crepes came up. In very little time, the two women managed to turn a germ of an idea into a food cart reality.

Where to find Crepes by the Lakes

Saturdays at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market on Bank Street.

Wednesdays at the 100-Mile Market at the People's Food Co-op, 507 Harrison St.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday on the South Kalamazoo Mall.

"I wanted to stick to one thing and do a lot of different things with it," Barney said of the initial idea.

"A crepe is just so versatile," Lenhart said.

Lenhart and Barney moved from Chicago to Kalamazoo in 2012 with the intention of opening a pop-up restaurant or food truck.

But with limited funding, a food cart seemed more reasonable for them. While searching online for food carts, the women discovered a custom-made cart from France for sale by a couple in Florida. The couple had used it to establish a crepe business there. It started as a cart and grew into a full-scale restaurant, but the couple wanted to get out of the restaurant business, Lenhart said.

After taking out a loan, Lenhart and Barney traveled to Florida in March, purchased the cart and drove it back to Michigan. At the end of March, Lenhart and Barney debuted Crepes by the Lakes at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market.

They use local and/or organic ingredients as often as possible. They also plan to change the menu based on what's available during the seasons.

Lenhart and Barney said they use a basic crepe batter recipe with a few secrets mixed in. They opt for grape seed oil on the griddles as it maintains a high heat over a long period, is flavor neutral and is good for you.

Crepes by the Lakes options fall under two categories: Sweet and savory. They can either serve as a tasty breakfast on the go or a lighter lunch option.